Humans are more afraid of brain condition like dementia or MS than cancer
- 45 per cent said they would rather suffer from cancer than dementia
- Just two per cent of people are scared of the world’s deadliest condition
- Adults fear neurological disorders the most due to lack of independence
- Estimates suggest 12.5 million living with neurological condition in UK
Stephen Matthews For Mailonline
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People are more scared of getting neurological disorders than cancer, a new survey suggests.
Adults would rather endure physical pain and die quicker than have a condition such as dementia, according to the poll of 2,000 adults from across the UK.
When asked about what illnesses people feared getting the most, 45 per cent said neurological disorders were at the top of the list.
Only 35 per cent of people feared a cancer diagnosis above any other.
People are more fearful of diseases such motor neurone disease – made famous by Professor Stephen Hawking – due to the burden it places on families and loved ones
And just two per cent of those asked feared getting coronary heart disease – the leading cause of death in the UK and worldwide – more than any other condition.
Neurological disorders result from damage to the brain, spinal column or nerves.
The main reasons people expressed fear over developing them were the poor quality of life and loss of independence associated with the illness, according to the survey commissioned by the Sue Ryder charity.
The research also revealed people were scared of conditions such as motor neurone disease – made famous by Professor Stephen Hawking – due to the burden they place on families and loved ones.
Others raised concerns about becoming socially isolated if they were diagnosed with conditions such as dementia, Huntington’s disease or multiple sclerosis (MS).
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The charity said more must now be done to educate the public about such conditions after many were unable to identify any signs or symptoms of several neurological conditions.
Sue Hogston, chief nurse at Sue Ryder, said: ‘We understand the public’s fear of getting a neurological condition as some disorders can have such a major impact on someone’s quality of life, independence and ability to communicate.
‘We also know getting a life-limiting neurological disorder is not the end of the road, and quality care and treatment can really help people adapt and live life as fully as possible.
‘Society’s lack of awareness of conditions that affect the brain and nervous system is a big issue.
‘So we wholeheartedly agree with the public’s verdict that we need to educate people about the symptoms, treatment and care options of different disorders.
‘This will go some way to helping people and their families cope and adapt if they’re diagnosed.
‘But it will also help reduce the stigma, embarrassment and social isolation that can exist around these conditions.’
Muhammad Ali (left) and Billy Connolly (right) have helped to raise the profile of Parkinson’s disease
The survey also revealed worrying levels of public stigma and even bullying towards people with neurological disorders:
Nearly a third believe neurological disorders are more stigmatised than any other long term health problem, while 6 in 10 people feel embarrassed to talk to people with neurological problems in public.
Well-known figures such as Stephen Hawking, who has Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, the late Muhammad Ali and comedian Billy Connolly, both diagnosed with Parkinson’s, have helped to raise the profile of the conditions.
In response to the survey, Steve Ford, Chief Executive at Parkinson’s UK, said: ‘It is heart-breaking to hear that so many people fear getting a neurological condition such as Parkinson’s because of poor quality of life, a worry about loss of independence and the burden it might place on family and loved ones.
‘With the baby boomer generation becoming older, the number of people with neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson’s, is likely to increase and will become one of the biggest issues faced by healthcare.
‘However, despite significant advances in our understanding of the genetics, biochemistry and pathology of Parkinson’s, the development of new treatments has not kept pace.
‘At Parkinson’s UK we remain absolutely committed to funding research to develop better treatments sooner and bring forward the day when no-one fears Parkinson’s.’
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